CAMP HUMPHREYS, Republic of Korea - In observance of Children's Dental Health Month, the 618th Dental Company, 65th Medical Brigade, and participating dentists, provided dental screenings and oral health education to Humphreys Central Elementary students, Feb. 13.
"Mouths are at the center of social interaction," said Capt. Austin Brown, Antioch, California native, dental surgeon, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team (Rotational). "This includes talking, eating and facial expressions. When kids learn sound oral hygiene practices from a young age, the groundwork is laid for a lifetime of success in each of these critical functions."
The goal was to screen approximately 1,200 students in attendance at Humphreys West Elementary School and Humphreys Central Elementary School throughout February.
"As a parent of a Humphreys Central student, I think it's a great and convenient idea to have these courtesy screenings at the school," said Sgt. Courtney Davis, Tallahassee, Florida native, media communications specialist, 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division. "It gives parents an assessment of their child's oral health and can help detect potential problems early on."
The annual screening is meant to detect larger than average dental problems, which would be annotated on a form sent home with the student requiring follow-up care with their local provider.
"Today we are focusing on children's oral health and making the community aware of the services available here on Camp Humphreys, as well as local dental practitioners available within their Republic of Korea neighborhood through Tricare," said Lt. Col. Min Kim, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native, pediatric dentist, 618th Dental Co., 65th Medical Brigade.
With innovative demonstrative materials, dental specialists educated students on the importance of brushing, flossing and using fluoride toothpaste while they waited for their screening.
"Make sure you brush in the morning, as well as before bedtime with soft bristle toothbrushes," said Pfc. Jacques Ingram, Columbus, Georgia native, dental specialist, 618th Dental Co. "Limit sugary, sticky snacks to one per day, and replace them with water, fruits and vegetables," he added.
To schedule a dental screening for your child, please call Carius Dental Clinic at DSN 737-9291/2 for a space-available appointment. If you are not eligible for treatment at a military facility, a referral list of English-speaking Korean dentists is available at the clinic reception desk.
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